Local Resources for Head Injury Support in Hamilton

Head injuries are one of the most complex and long-lasting injuries we can experience, but you don’t have to go it alone. In Hamilton, Ontario, there are plenty of helpful resources to help you get the physical, emotional, and financial care you need.

The impact of a head injury, whether a concussion or more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), can also impact every aspect of a person’s life, including their family. 

Fortunately, in Hamilton, Ontario, we have access to a wealth of helpful resources that are designed to provide comprehensive support for injury sufferers and their families, from initial medical treatment and rehabilitation to long-term care, emotional support, and legal guidance.  

At The Morris Law Group, we’ve helped our clients through it all – including many TBIs and complex head injuries. Read on to learn more about our local head injury resources in Hamilton, using this roadmap to navigate the many challenges of head injury recovery and secure the medical care you need.

Understanding the Spectrum of Head Injuries

Before exploring the resources, we should cover the spectrum of head injuries. After car accidents and many other types of personal accidents, we see everything from mild concussions, which tend to heal relatively quickly, to severe TBIs, which can result in permanent physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. 

When should you get help for someone who has a head injury?

The severity of the injury dictates the type and level of support you need, so your first step after an injury should be to head to a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. Be sure to document everything – you may need it for insurance or care purposes later. 

Local Head Injury Resources in Hamilton

1. Hospitals and Medical Centers

• Hamilton General Hospital. As a Level 4 trauma center, Hamilton General Hospital is well-equipped to handle a range of head injuries, from initial assessment and treatment to ongoing care and rehabilitation. The emergency department is open 24/7, providing immediate care for critical cases.
• St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. St. Joseph’s offers specialized neurological services and rehabilitation programs, which can address the unique needs of individuals dealing with head injuries. With both inpatient and outpatient programs, the team focuses on restoring function, improving quality of life, and providing support for families of brain injury patients.
• McMaster University Medical Centre. McMaster is a teaching hospital with a well-renowned neurology department, providing excellent care for head injuries, including acute treatment, neurosurgery, and other brain injury support services. McMaster is also know for cutting-edge research related to brain injuries. 

2. Rehabilitation Centers and Programs

What organization supports traumatic brain injury?

• Hamilton Health Sciences. Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) offers a range of brain injury services, including both inpatient and outpatient programs. Their outpatient services include injury assessment, problem-solving, and getting individuals connected with brain injuries to community resources. They address needs like accessing therapies, providing education about brain injury, managing medications, and offering neuropsychiatric treatment.
  
  HHS also has a fantastic Outreach Service that facilitates an easier transition back into the community after inpatient care, including a Community Crisis Management Team that supports and intervenes for individuals in crisis. Additionally, their Integrated Adult Concussion Clinic (IACC) offers specialized care for acute concussions. Referrals from a medical doctor are required for their ABI outpatient clinic, while the IACC has its own referral process.
  

• The Hamilton Brain Injury Association. The HBIA is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by ABIs in Hamilton. Founded in 1986, the HBIA offers various support services, including peer support programs, support groups, and various clubs and activities designed to build connections and develop skills among those living with ABI. They also provide education on brain injury prevention, notably through their “Bikes, Blades & Boards” helmet safety program. HBIA is governed by  volunteer BoD and relies on community support and sponsorships to keep delivering its programs and services.
  
  HBIA’s mission centers around enhancing the quality of life for people in Hamilton living with the effects of ABI through education, support, and advocacy. They work hard to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals with brain injuries and their families can connect, socialize, and learn. Their peer support program offers telephone-based mentoring for individuals with ABI, unpaid caregivers, and family members. HBIA also hosts fundraising events like the “5K By The Bay” and “Drive for ABI” to support their initiatives and raise awareness about brain injuries.
  

• Private Rehabilitation Clinics. Several private clinics in Hamilton specialize in brain injury rehabilitation. These clinics may offer even more intensive and personalized programs, but it’s important to check their medical credentials and ensure they are qualified to handle your specific needs.

3. Support Groups and Community Services

What benefits can you get for TBI?

• CONNECT Hamilton. CONNECT is a program that offers a greatrehabilitation service for individuals recovering from acquired brain injuries or strokes. They offer condo-style residences for brain injury sufferers in a supportive environment that feels like home. This program can help brain injury patients can feel a sense of normalcy and regain lost independence. They also partner with Hamilton Health Sciences for better access to healthcare professionals and the treatments needed to heal head injuries.
  
  The CONNECT program is covered by OHIP, so individuals without many financial options can find support with a referral through Hamilton Health Sciences’ Acquired Brain Injury Program. The team focuses on restoring functionality and the availability of private bedrooms contribute to a personalized and comfortable recovery experience.
• The Brain Injury Community Services. This organization offers community-based support services, including social activities, recreational programs, and assistance with daily living tasks. They work to reduce the social isolation that comes with head injuries and promote community integration for individuals with brain injuries.
• Local Chapters of National Organizations. Brain injury organizations may have local chapters in Hamilton that provide additional support and resources – ask your healthcare provider for more information and find a great concussion clinic in Hamilton. 

4. Legal Assistance

• The Morris Law Group. If your head injury or TBI was caused by someone else’s negligence or you’re stuck dealing with uncooperative insurance companies, legal counsel is a must. The Morris Law Group specializes in personal injury law and can help you navigate the legal process and keep your rights are protected. We can assist with cases related to car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and other incidents that result in head injuries. We can also connect you with other resources you might need during this difficult time.  

The Morris Law Group—Brain Injury Services Hamilton

How do you get help for traumatic brain injury?

Head injuries present significant challenges to our local Hamiltonians, impacting individuals and families on so many levels. Fortunately, we also have a strong network of head injury support services, encompassing medical treatment, rehabilitation programs, community resources, and legal guidance. 

At The Morris Law Group, we seee the intricate nature of these cases and how they play out everyday. We’re committed to providing expert legal counsel, advocating for your rights, and accessing the compensation and resources necessary for your recovery and future well-being.

Request a free consultation or call us at 905-526-8080 to learn more and speak with a head injury lawyer.